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LEED BD+C: Schools v2 - Schools 2007

Bristow Elementary

LEEDSilver2013

Bristow Elementary is Kentucky’s first “Net Zero Ready” school. Operating at 19 EUI’s annually, this represents a yearly average savings of $95,000 in energy costs and is 73% more efficient than the average Kentucky school.

The energy-reducing strategies developed by Sherman Carter Barnhart echo Warren County’s goals of sustainability. Natural daylight, controlled by light shelves and sunshades, dramatically reduces the artificial light needed in the classrooms and provides a healthier learning environment. Polished concrete and bamboo floors significantly reduce long-term maintenance and are readily renewable materials. The elimination of deep fryers and tilting skillets not only saves energy in the kitchen but also supports the district-wide initiative to provide healthier lunches for the students.

The integration of the building’s energy savings and sustainable features into the curriculum creates a collaborative learning environment of curiosity and imagination. A geothermal hallway, with exposed geothermal pipes and temperature gauges allow students to track the building’s performance while watching the system at work, demonstrating the earth’s ability to transfer energy.

A sundial in the rotunda is oriented true north and allows students to monitor the sun’s daily path as it bathes the school in natural daylight. The integration of laptops and iPads combined with Wi-Fi access creates building transparency by providing students the ability to obtain knowledge beyond the limitation of the classroom walls.

The school includes a plan for the infrastructure to add a 360-kW solar panel package in the future, at which time Bristow Elementary will achieve Net Zero Energy, generating as much energy as it consumes.

Bristow Elementary offers a 20% reduction in water usage, 73% reduction in energy use, and 75% of the school receives daylighting. The location of the school maximized the open space which is highlighted with water efficient landscaping. Additional sustainable strategies include the use of recycled content products and materials, and low VOC products and materials.

Bristow Elementary was honored as an Outstanding Project for Sustainability and Learning by American School Board Journal – Learning by Design.